Report: Lakers ‘feeling pressure’ to trade for Kawhi Leonard

Jeremy Carranco, Staff writer

Updated
8:24 am CDT, Thursday, June 28, 2018

Kawhi Leonard’s return was the main question surrounding the Spurs throughout the season, and despite many calling the 2018 offseason the "summer of Lebron," the Kawhi saga has dominated its share of NBA headlines. less

Kawhi Leonard’s return was the main question surrounding the Spurs throughout the season, and despite many calling the 2018 offseason the "summer of Lebron," the Kawhi saga has dominated its share of NBA ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

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Kawhi Leonard’s return was the main question surrounding the Spurs throughout the season, and despite many calling the 2018 offseason the "summer of Lebron," the Kawhi saga has dominated its share of NBA headlines. less

Kawhi Leonard’s return was the main question surrounding the Spurs throughout the season, and despite many calling the 2018 offseason the "summer of Lebron," the Kawhi saga has dominated its share of NBA ... more

The Lakers will need to quickly pursue Leonard before James decides on becoming a free agent or opting-in to the last year of his contract with Cleveland on Friday.

ESPN says James is "hesitant" to be the first one to make the move to the Lakers.

The report also said Leonard has not expressed desire to stay with the Spurs and that San Antonio won't be forced to trade prior to the deadline.

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Media: Sports Illustrated

"Leonard has been adamant that he doesn't want to step into the San Antonio locker room again," ESPN wrote.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich met with Leonard in San Diego last week but not much has been heard of since. Leonard will become an unrestricted free agent in 2019 and is currently nearing full health.

Paul George is also of interest to the Lakers but has seemed to have faded in recent discussions. However, it is still a possibility and will help the Lakers convince James even more.

Other teams who have showed interest and made offers to the Spurs for Leonard are the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers.

On Tuesday, Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson said he would step down if Los Angeles can't sign a big free agent either this summer or next summer when Leonard is expected to be on the open market.